Richmond man, 20, pleads guilty in Richmond hate crime gang rape case

MARTINEZ -- A Richmond man who as a 15-year-old joined in a hate crime gang rape of a Richmond lesbian was sentenced to 31 years in prison on Friday.

Robert Ortiz, now 20, pleaded guilty Friday to rape in concert, forcible oral copulation in concert, carjacking, and a charge enhancement for committing the crimes for the benefit of a criminal street gang.

The victim was walking home on Dec. 13, 2008, when she was attacked by gang elder Humberto Salvador, who had been looting cars at 14th Street and Visalia Avenue with fellow gang members. Salvador sexually assaulted her several times before ordering Ortiz and then-16-year-old Darrell Hodges to sexually assault her as well.

Hodges, now 20, also took a plea deal and was sentenced to 24 years in prison. Salvador, 36, was convicted at jury trial and is expected to be sentenced to life in prison Feb. 21. He was convicted of 15 felonies, and a hate crime enhancement for repeated comments about the victim's sexual orientation during the attack.